Chapter Text
She couldn't believe she was in the damn South Pole.
For years Toph successfully avoided visiting by using the very valid excuse that she couldn't see or earthbend on the ice and snow. Everyone understood, even if Aang and Katara were disappointed. But somehow she was finally there, wearing boots, and it was all Zuko's fault.
"I hate you, Fire Lord."
She felt his arm around her squeeze lightly.
"No, you don't. Just enjoy seeing our friends, okay?"
"I can't see, Sparky!"
"You know what I mean."
"Be glad I can't bend you into oblivion."
She shivered, and he held her closer to keep her warm.
If she was being honest, he'd been lovely and attentive since they left the Fire Nation. First, he made sure to travel by metal ship so she could see on board and feel slightly less motion sickness. He stocked up on ginger candies for her and kept many in his pockets to pull out any time she appeared nauseated. By all accounts he was a gentlemen. The best, most caring friend he could've been.
But she still wanted to kill him for convincing her to join a reunion in the one place she avoided since they where kids. She hated being this cold, and she hated shoes but boots were somehow so much worse. She hated the physical restriction she felt from thicker clothing, so different from the flowing materials she preferred. Add to that a week of nausea, and she was in a bad mood. No matter how patient Zuko had been, and he really was patient, she remained miserable.
It was a miracle they only got into two fights after boarding the ship, though that may be because she was preoccupied feeling ill.
Now they were on what the locals called land and what she called torture and she wasn't feeling much better. It seemed like she'd never feel the balance and comfort of real earth again. Toph wanted her freedom back. The uncertainty of being led by another person through snow and having to trust him unconditionally ate at her pride, and she snapped out of nowhere.
"I swear if I die here, it'll be your fault!"
"You won't die here, Toph."
"I better not." She tried to free herself from his grasp but began to slip on the ice from the motion. He pulled her tightly against his side. As much as she wanted to yank herself away she knew better and stayed still as he spoke just above her ear.
"Please just give this a chance. You know how much it means to everyone that you're here, right?"
She did. The strong hugs she got upon their arrival, the enthusiasm, was almost more than she could take. All that affection made her a little uncomfortable, especially from Aang and Katara's kids. She barely knew them, and the great Toph Beifong wasn't so lovey-dovey. But that didn't mean she couldn't enjoy how happy her friends were that she finally came to visit their home.
"Are we almost there?"
She knew they must be, given the loud noise from some kind of gathering of animals up ahead, but she still asked. He leaned a bit closer, and his breath was hot against her ear, causing her to shiver.
"Yes. Aang and Sokka are just ahead at the top of the hill. They're practically bouncing with excitement for you to try penguin sledding."
"It sounds like they're trying to kill me."
His hand wrapped around her shoulder once more.
"I wouldn't let them even if they tried. Who would cause chaos back at the palace and pull me out of mind numbing meetings by forcing socialization if you never returned?"
She wanted to quip back, but was too cold. Too uncomfortable. Excited shouts clued her in to their friends up ahead in spite of the lack of earth. Freshly fallen snow muffled the sounds of their movement and left her mostly with voices to follow. She heard Katara laugh. Apparently whatever penguin sledding was, it was going to be embarrassing enough for them to find someone to watch the children so all the friends could witness her torture.
Soon she was being given instructions by Sokka. When he handed her a fish, she was overtaken by those loud creatures and squealed as several slammed into her and she slipped on the ice. She fell flat on her back and was soon under a pile of those things. The sound she made was the opposite of tough, and her face grew hot as she yelled at them with panic in her voice to get off her.
Sokka was laughing. And not too far away, just over the honks of these animals they insisted she ride somehow, she could hear Zuko's voice. The broken words that carried over the noise indicated he was threatening both Aang and Katara. Apparently he wanted them to watch out for her. It made sense. They could both bend ice and snow.
Soon she felt a hand grab her and she grasped it back and allowed herself to be pulled upright.
"Thanks, Sokka. Took ya long enough."
"Sokka was still enjoying watching you squirm."
Zuko.
How had she not realized it was Zuko? If they weren't wearing gloves she probably would've recognized the feeling of his hands. He'd helped her up plenty of times when they sparred and collapsed on the ground to catch their breaths.
Stupid ice.
Stupid cold.
Stupid blindness!
"Yeah, well, he'll pay for that later. Also there's no way I'm riding one of these things."
He squeezed her hand, and she realized he hadn't let go yet.
"If they were large enough, I'd ride with you. But they aren't. Aang and Katara promised me you won't get hurt. You ladies are the only ones doing any actual penguin sledding. Me and the guys are too heavy. But we have regular sleds so we'll be nearby. I'll be there, okay?"
His voice dropped in that way it often did when he was being particularly sincere.
"You don't have to do this, Toph. You can refuse."
What she wanted to do was take him up on the offer and never leave her assigned igloo until it was time to go back to real land with real earth. But she had pride. And a reputation to uphold. With resolve, she grinned at him.
"The great Toph Beifong isn't scared of a game children play!" She straightened her posture and held up her chin. "When this is over, I will be the undisputed champion of penguin sledding!"
She paused for a second.
"Though... someone else is going to have to catch a penguin for me."
"You should've seen it, Kya! Your auntie Toph went FLYING down the hill!" Sokka was making exaggerated hand gestures, and the little girl squealed with glee. "And then they got to the ice caves, and her penguin went fully upside down in a loop!"
The girl cheered while Toph sat next to a fire. By the way Sokka told the story, she'd gone on an epic adventure. From her point of view she was put into a situation where she had no spacial awareness at all, and was then forced to hang onto some living, wild creature or else die. One day she might tell the tale with his enthusiasm to bolster her image. Right now she wanted to feel warm again.
As if on cue, a hot cup was placed into her hands.
"Thanks, Zuko."
"It's Katara."
Toph held the cup to her face and gingerly sipped at it in order to hide her expression. Ever since they got to the South Pole she was guessing everyone wrong.
The two sat in silence, and she assumed Katara was listening to her brother's story. Still, there was an air of awkwardness. Toph couldn't recall the last time she and Katara had more than a few seconds alone. It wasn't that they hated each other, but it was still a little easier to have a buffer. When she thought about it, that might not even be true anymore. They'd probably have an easy time together if not for interruptions, especially from Katara's kids. But it was nice to be kind of alone, even in a group setting. Sadly, her friend broke it sooner than she liked.
"Do you know he keeps staring at you?"
Toph let out an exasperated huff.
"Who?"
"Zuko. I knew you'd gotten closer over the years, but he's hovering an awful lot."
"Yeah, well. He always feels everything's his responsibility. He brought me here, so it's his job to make sure I survive it."
A light laugh from Katara made her frown. The tone was familiar. Like a mom or an older sister who absolutely saw through... something.
"Zuko's never been this concerned about anyone in his life. He's usually a little selfish, if I'm being honest." Toph laughed mid-sip and spat some of her drink. Katara paid her no mind and instead focused on the conversation. "And he always looks at you from the corner of his eye. It's practiced. Like he's trying to prevent you from noticing him physically moving, not that you could feel it here without your bending. But he's still doing it out of habit. He likes watching you."
The news came as a shock, and Toph once again hid behind her cup. Did Zuko do that back at the Fire Nation? She wouldn't be able to tell. Did he make a habit of watching her? Was he deliberately spying on her?
"Hey, don't look so upset. It's sweet."
"Shut up, Katara."
"What are you hiding? Are you two a thing?"
"I said shut it, Sugar Queen!"
"You sure there's nothing going on between you?"
Toph didn't know why, but she lost it, stood straight up, and tossed the cup into the snow.
"Shut your damn mouth! No one wants you nagging them to death except Aang. Go make him miserable!"
As she stomped away she felt that freedom she was missing. Right up until it occurred to her that she had no idea where she was going. In no time, a gloved hand reached out to guide her by the arm and she did her best to shake it off.
"Leave me the hell alone, Katara!"
"It's me."
Crap. Zuko again. She couldn't wait to feel earth once more and actually know who was approaching.
"Are you storming off to your igloo? Because if yes, it's in the other direction."
As he guided her, she couldn't help but wish she'd never come to this horrible place.
Zuko's eyes kept shifting to where little Kya was leading Toph across a patch of ice. They agreed she needed an escort and Katara and Aang seemed to think Kya could take over that role for a bit. Thankfully Toph wasn't complaining about her babysitters, and was instead only mildly suspicious about how she was never left alone.
"You gotta relax, Fire Lord."
"What do you mean?"
Sokka smirked. Zuko might be answering him, but his gaze was still focused elsewhere.
"I mean you haven't let Toph out of your sight since you got here."
"She can't see here."
"There's other people who can keep an eye on her. Besides, she's an adult here on her own free will. She knew what she was getting into."
Zuko didn't respond, and Sokka started to put things together.
"No way. You forced her to come? Toph? How did you manage to get her to agree to anything she doesn't want to do?"
"I just asked."
Not buying it, Sokka leaned back in his chair and took a bite of jerky, studying his friend instead of the pai sho board between them. While he wasn't always the first to notice things, it dawned on him that he might actually be the first of Team Avatar to realize something was happening between Zuko and Toph. Even the friends in question may not have noticed yet.
He was thrilled to know gossip first.
"Oh. I see, now. I get it."
He grinned and took another large bite before speaking with his mouth full.
"Hey, Fire Lord!" Zuko turned to him. "You..." he pointed to Zuko, then off into the distance where Toph was beginning to argue with Kya, "totally have a thing for Toph!"
Golden eyes widened and Sokka knew he had Zuko's full attention.
"I do not have a thing for her!"
"Uh huh. Suuuuure you don't. I got eyes, you know. I can spot when you're being all strange and boyfriend-like."
Uncomfortable with the way Sokka's eyebrows repeatedly raised at him, Zuko turned his attention back to Toph and ignored Sokka's small victory laugh as he was at least proven right about one thing. He certainly did keep an eye on her. Aang was now there in the distance approaching Toph and Kya. His daughter ran to him, leaving Toph standing alone.
"I'm just looking out for her."
"Oh, you're looking out for her all right. Can't take your eyes off her. It's like you're obsessed! And sure, she's grown up an awful lot, but—"
Zuko wasn't paying attention to Sokka anymore. He was watching Aang and Toph yell words he couldn't hear. Then, before he could blink, Aang casually waved a hand and stormed off, holding his daughter. Toph flew backwards and hit the ice hard. Zuko was on his feet instantly.
She didn't move.
Aang turned around.
And then the ice caved and she was gone.